As the famous anthem from rock band Queen goes, “you’ve got mud on your face, you big disgrace.” Well, that’s not exactly—or always—true. Natural muds and clays are some of our most treasured cleansers, and there’s nothing disgraceful about perfect pores now, is there?
To start the week properly, Saturday nights (in my case) are reserved for Episodes of Downton Abbey along with a hair pack and a ghostly facemask to boot.
I’m in search of a clear t-zone and tighter pores. Who will get my vote of confidence? Enter my two favorite contenders from skincare giants Kiehl’s and Philosophy.
The product: Kiehl’s Rare Earth Pore Cleansing Masque
The test: After a week of packing and unpacking boxes while I move to a new home, my skin is looking (ahem) worse for the wear, to say the least. Every night when I remove my makeup, with all the dirt and dust that comes off my face it’s as if I’ve stuck my head in the fireplace. It seems as if my pores are screaming for a detox.
This masque with Amazonian white clay, oatmeal, and aloe vera has a thick consistency, which makes it feel therapeutic when it’s applied. The clay has a mattifying effect, and as I sit for 20 minutes, whitening my teeth and painting my fingertips at the same time, I can feel the mask tightening, as if sucking the grime from my skin.
The result: After removing the mask with a hot flannel (providing my face with a mini steam session), my skin feels firmer, refreshed, and my pores do look less visible. Perhaps I can have a foundation-free day tomorrow?
The product: Philosophy Total Matteness Pore-Minimizing and Mattifying Cleanser and Mask
The test: Stressed-out skin results in an oily t-zone, which, in turn, leads to a set of unsightly blemishes on your forehead. Clear, matte skin is the goal in order to keep surface bacteria at bay. Having applied this dual-purpose mask the night before (it takes just five minutes to complete the task) and now dressed in my lycra, I’m ready for an hour of bikram yoga. After putting my limbs and pores through their paces, I’m ready for application round two. This clever product can be used as a cleanser as well as a mask; just mix it with water and it morphs into a foam consistency. The glacial clay absorbs any excess oil and helps to draw out the impurities that cause enlarged pores and blackheads.
The result: Even after having cleansed my face once in the morning, and again after bikram yoga, there’s no hint of an oily t-zone in sight. My skin feels smooth and plump; it hasn’t been stripped of moisture, yet it’s totally matte.
THE VERDICT: Both superpower formulas are designed to combat excess shine, but the Philosophy Total Matteness pore-minimizing and mattifying cleanser and mask has the edge this time. Both a mask and a cleanser in one tube, it means more space for pretty perfume bottles in my bathroom cabinet.
